Cost of Living: Fontana, CA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Fontana

California
146
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Fontana is 21% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$1,733/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 10%
$98,187/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 17%
$558,500 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 22%
$1,990/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 18%
211,921
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $181/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $2,172/year.

Median household income is $17,098/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Fontana or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $181/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $17,098/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Ann Arbor

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford